Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Seasonal Samplings

Hello everyone! Sorry it has been a while since my last post. I've just been working more than usual and haven't really been "in the mood" to write. Is it just me, or do you have to be in the right frame of mind to compile a post, too? Many of you are so good about posting each week (or even multiple times a week!). Here I am with over two years of blogging and I haven't even reached my 100th post. Sigh...

But, I do have a "year's worth" of stitching that I've done over the past couple of weeks to share with you. Hard to believe? Well, I...

Started with a bit of Spring...

Added a touch of Summer...

Threw in a pinch of Autumn...

Topped it off with a sprinkling of Winter...

And I had stitched a full year of all four seasons!

I honestly can't remember the last time I enjoyed stitching a piece so much! "Seasonal Samplings" by Hillside Samplings is a chart passed on from dear Melissa over at Words and Blooms last year. I don't know what it was about this piece, but it instantly calmed me down as soon as I started stitching. (Well, except for the point when I realized I had mistakenly stitched eyelet stitches for the apples rather than Rhodes stitches and I had to rip every single one out!) What's the most relaxing piece you've ever stitched? I used 28 ct. natural brown linen for this piece along with the suggested DMC colors, but I changed the rabbit to brown so he would show up better and resemble the little bunnies that visit my yard each summer. The lettering, rabbit, birds, and year are all stitched "over one." And I love the specialty stitches--they just add so much dimension to the piece.Since I enjoyed Seasonal Samplings so much, chances are one of you will, too, so I'm having a drawing to pass it along. Just leave a comment (on this post only) letting me know that you would like to be included and I'll announce the winner when I post next (which knowing me could be a couple of weeks!). I only ask that, when you are finished stitching it, you pass along the chart yourself and keep the kindness going...I've been on a lucky streak lately and want to thank two special bloggers for their generous giveaways. First of all I won a very nice $25 gift certificate to 1-2-3 Stitch from the generous Riona at Oubliette. She was having a giveaway to celebrate her 500th post! Can you imagine?!! At this rate, I'll be 100 years old before I reach that milestone. Thank you so much, Riona--I can hardly wait to go shopping and I'll be sure to let you know what goodies I choose...

And from one of the most entertaining bloggers out there, Barbara at Mainely Stitching, I won this quartet of spring-themed charts. Aren't they so cute and, well, spring-like? Most of you are probably familiar with the adventures of Barbara's four kids and the house rooster (yes, rooster!), but if not, please pay her a visit...There is always so much fun going on over there. Thank you so much, Barbara--I need a touch of spring more than you can imagine after this never-ending winter!

A big winter storm caught western Pennsylvania by surprise Monday night. Things were so bad it took my dear husband almost three hours to make the normally 20-minute drive from the city to our house. Cars were abandoned everywhere and driving was treacherous. I can count on two hands the number of days we haven't had snow on the ground since early December--winter just seems endless this year.But, the next day dawned sunny and, oh, so beautiful. It almost made up for the fact that spring doesn't seem right around the corner any longer! Just the day before this storm hit, I had seen my first robin and a tiny violet poking it's head out of the ground. Maybe next week things will turn around. Please...enough is enough!

Your comments on my last post meant so much to me--I'm glad you enjoyed my little story about the young mother. Thank you all for your visits, your comments, and your friendship. Hopefully, the next time I write the snow will be gone. And to all of my New Zealand blogging friends dealing with that horrible earthquake, please know my thoughts are with you...

Have a wonderful week everyone and take some special time to do what you love most. Bye for now...

63 comments:

What a beautiful finish!! I love your choice of fiber and fabric -- just gorgeous! I already have this chart so don't put me in the drawing. :D

Days without snow on the ground? I don't think there's been a single day without snow on the ground here since Dec. 26. Seriously. No ground to be seen yet -- even with the 60 degree weather we had last Friday. I'm so sick of the snow!

I have had enough of snow already to. What a brutal winter. Your piece is so pretty and what a pretty sampler. I have been working a lot also and I want spring to be here already. Have a blessed week Carol.

Dear Carol,this chart of four seasons really looks wonderful and I would appreciate stitching it! The story of the winter storms sounds very bad and I can imagine how over you were with all that snow. Here in Austria there is no spring in sight either.

wow, I can see WHY you felt so relaxed stitching that one....it is gorgeous & I would love a chance to stitch it.I agree about winter lasting forever...we got the same storm on Monday.....my poor husband drives over an hour each way.....Monday took him a WHOLE LOT LONGER to get home.We have had robins all winter.....but they were really plentiful last week when we had 'spring like' temps...ok, it was 2 weeks ago..

Carol, our local weather prognosticator puts out an uncannily accurate Weather Calendar each year [sales benefit local children's charities]. His calendar has become a sort of local Farmer's Almanac, but much more reliable! He correctly predicted the recent 5-8" snowfall on Monday as a "major weather event" in that block of the calendar. And, at least according to his calendar, we are not done yet. Another "major weather event" is predicted for March 19. So I guess the winter that came in like a lion is going out like a lion as well. Since I am in the metro NY area, my weather forecast may suggest similar weather for your own not-so-very-distant area. Stitching may be the only way to truly experience Spring this year. I am just hoping we don't get a false Spring that brings out all my daffodils and jonquils and hyacinths, only to be buried in snow.Your giveaway is very tempting but I am trying to tame and subdue my stash [and my acquisitive instincts], so I don't think I'll enter myself but simply wish good luck to all who do!

You post two to three times per month at least, Carol. :) My last post was 2 months ago; Shame on me. So just think about me when you didn't update your blog for more than 3 weeks and you won't feel guilty. LOL. Your "Four Seasons" are awesome! That little brown rabbit is too cute and I love all those little apples.

Congratulations on the wins! Happy shopping and I can't wait to see your new stash. Beautiful charts from Barbara.

Seasonal Samplings is pretty but no need to enter me into the draw as I don't have time to stitch it. Too much graphic designing jobs to do. And this is also the reason I didn't update my blog since 2 months ago. :(

I hope spring will come to you very soon. :) Have a nice day and happy stitching.

Congratulations on the finish!! It's so pretty. I will pass o the giveaway because as much as I'd like to stitch it at some point, I'm sure there are others who will put it at the top of their lists. But thanks anyway!

Nice snow pics--I think! ;)

Congrats on the wins!

Don't apologize for not posting. Blog when you can--it's meant to be fun. I can barely manage every two weeks because I have the attention span of a gnat and can't manage to stick to one thing long enough to finish it. I don't want to subject people to pictures of "Look! Three more stitches!". LOL

Your seasonal samplings finish is lovely Carol. I'd love to be included in the draw for the chart please.

I'm with you all the way about needing to be in the mood for blogging. Sometimes I know I have to write a post but my mind is completely blank. I don't know how some people can blog every day, in four years I've only notched up 120posts! I even have trouble composing comments at times!!

Over here in the U.K. the weather has been so dull and dreary although the sun is shining today. Winter does seem to have gone on for a long time, starting at the end of November when we had quite a lot of snow. I'm now more than ready for Spring!

Hey Carol, not entering but wanted to say your finish is lovely! We sometimes go to Manheim for Spring auctions and are always amazed to see the PA flowers and trees in full bloom on the first of April.

I too have to be in the "right frame of mind" to post on my blog! I completely understand.

Your Four Seasons is so beautifully done! I really like your choice of fabric and threads. Love those specialty stitches. I would love a chance to stitch this and would enjoy passing it on as well. I have seen this particular chart several times and almost picked it up.

I won a gift certificate to 1-2-3 Stitch once in a giveaway and I really enjoyed surfing their site to spend it on anything I wanted. It's a very thoughtful way to offer a giveaway, I think.

Rain...rain...and more RAIN for us here in Kentucky today. I should be thankful I suppose because so many have had to suffer through several inches (or feet) of snow!

Your Seasonal Samplings is just beautiful Carol! I can see why you enjoyed this so much. You did such a pretty job of stitching. Congratulations on your wins!

Your winter wonderland pictures are so pretty and peaceful looking, but I'm sure the snow is anything but that to you now. Our weather has been beautiful and tells us spring is definitely on the way. Wish I could send you some warmer tempperatures!

I'm a summer girl! Guess which one is my favorite block? Summer! LOL :DAll really cute but I love the bird and the bunny block :)Can't say something relaxing.. humm.. I usually get excited to see my pieces complete :p When I'm having fun stitching I get excited to see my piece all done =) I think I go to the opposite way of relaxing LOLoh! I'd love to enter!!! Please, count my name too :)

We had terrible weather until Monday, now we have Sun! Cold but sunny days :DWish you a lovely day!Hugs&Smiles

Congrats on your recent wins!! Isn't it fun when that happens? Your stitching is beautiful. Isn't it fun to stitch a piece that you thoroughly enjoy? I'm going to pass on the drawing this time. I need to finish a few more first!!

You did a beautiful job on Seasonal Samplings Carol. I love the colors and specialty stitches. I would be thrilled to stitch it and pass it on....it's too pretty not to share!I think one of the most relaxing pieces I stitched was Nora Corbett's Halloween Fairy. It was just fun and had a lot of beads (my fav)

You were the lucky recipient of "Happy Mail" this week. I hope you enjoy it all.

Oh yes, I'm so tired of the snow and ice. I always anticipate the first snow of the season but that feeling has l-o-n-g gone!!

Your blog is wonderful and always a pleasure to read~~~~no matter when you post.

Carol,Your 4 seasons piece turned out lovely as always! I'll pass this time around ~ trying to finish a few pieces myself lately.I sort of have to be in the mood to post too, for stitching/sewing sometimes too!Here's hoping you don't get any more snow!Tanya

Carol, I love your Seasonal Samplings !!! You are right, it is peaceful looking..I am slow with posts too !!! I wish I was as good as others, but it takes me a lot of time to do a post and yes, I have to be in the mood for it, and most importantly I have to have the time, so you are not alone :-)

Hi Carol. Has beautiful embroidered some stations, are very nice special points.You really want the good weather arrives, it seems that those who wait.It is better to publish quality short and long and not so good. Each person takes time. I'm glad your husband did not pass anything with snow.I like your template changes on the blog.The translator does his, I mean not very good.Congratulations on winning awards.And waiting for some time, receiving a warm hug.

I definitely have to be in the mood and find the right time to sit and write, but when I do it always gives me a good feeling.

Your Seasonal Samplings is lovely and I would love to have the chance to stitch this. Don't you just love it when a piece is so calming to stitch!

Congrats on all of your wins!! You've been on a roll!!

We were hit with about 5 inches of snow again too - it was hard to take after temps in the 60's last week!! Of course, a couple of us are fighting the sniffles now! But spring is just around the corner, isn't it?

What a beautiful finish Carol! I always enjoy what you are stitching and enjoyed my visit while having a cup of tea. Don't fret about the snow, we have no control over that and we both have "many friends in the same weahterpattern, blessing compared to New Zealand! But please, please hurry spring!!!!

What a sweet finish Carol! I would love to be included in the draw for the chart. I'm usually most relaxed when I'm stitching a LHN design. They're such fun stitches.Congrats on your wins. We both seem to have been on a bit of a streak!We're expecting another storm here tonight and I'm dreading the drive into work tomorrow!

Very nice finish! I'd love to be entered in your giveaway - I don't have a four season piece and think it'd be a great addition - love the specialty stitches. And, of course I would move it on in a giveaway!

I'd have to say the most relaxing piece I've done is Home of a Needleworker - probably because it was straight forward and I was really excited to be doing it!..

This is a gorgeous finish, I love the little bunny on Summer. No need to add me to the giveaway list thank you, I'm still concentrating on my Nature's Beauty. I can't believe you've had snow for so long, we've just got damp and grey weather at the moment, here's hoping it will cheer up soon! Happy stitching to you.

Fancy seeing the Hillside Samplings chart here, i am in a RR and that is one of the charts i'll be stitching a block on. It's such a lovely design and i can't wait to see if i love it as much as you did

I ahve been blogging for over 5 years and find that you can go in fits and starts, sometimes you have things to post about and you post regularly, other times weeks go past and you have nothing to blog about or no mood too, everyone goes there, everyone understands and if they are good followers they follow you through it all, post or no post.

Welcome!

Welcome ~ I'm so glad you've dropped in for a visit! I love getting to know fellow cross stitchers from around the world, discovering new stitching blogs, and being inspired by your work. I hope you enjoy your visit today and thanks for taking the time to say "hello!"Carol